Visceral Manipulation

"Osteopathy and other systems of manual medicine have developed a variety of models for understanding the mechanics of proper and improper motion of the musculoskeletal system. In this important and pioneering work, that same structural vision is applied to the visceral system. The central premise of 'Visceral Manipulation' is that the interrelationship of structure and function among the internal organs is at least as strong as that among the constituents of the musculoskeletal system; and that, like the musculoskeletal system, manipulation of the viscera can be beneficially used in the treatment of a wide variety of problems affecting any of the body's systems."--Publisher description.

This work demonstrates a novel approach to visceral osteopathy. Basing their ideas on a sound understanding of the underlying A&P, Jean-Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier propose manipulation of the arteries to treat the intestines and other internal organs by increasing their blood flow. The arteries, elastic and muscular in structure, and the innumerable nerve filaments which surround them, react ideally to manual treatment. Rich in detailed, high quality illustrations, this book serves as both an anatomical reference and a guide to carrying out visceral vascular manipulations in the most effective way possible and is suitable for osteopathic physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, manual therapists, physiotherapists, and massage therapists worldwide. Offers practical and clinically relevant information to all practitioners and therapists working in the field Abundant use of pull-out boxes, line artwork, photographs and tables facilitates ease of understanding Prepared by experts of international renown Covers treatment of the main organs including the heart, pancreas, small intestine, colon and other abdominal structures as well as the regions of the neck, skull and pelvic cavity Serves as both an anatomical reference and a guide to carrying out visceral vascular manipulations in the most effective way possible Suitable for osteopathic physicians and osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, manual therapists, physiotherapists, and massage therapists

Best of visceral manipulation — key concepts at a glance Written by one of the best-known European osteopaths, Visceral Manipulation in Osteopathy explains how to successfully apply the four most common approaches for the manual treatment of abdominal disorders. The first section provides an overview of the basic principles and techniques of diagnosis and treatment from the greats of osteopathy: visceral manipulation according to Barral; fascial treatment of the organs according to Finet and Williame; circulatory techniques according to Kuchera; and reflex point treatment according to Chapman. Organized by the individual organs, the second section contains "action" photographs that demonstrate osteopathic tests and treatment techniques, plus in-depth information on anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Features: Over 160 clear, marked-up "action" photographs illustrate the different techniques Additional graphics display the macroscopic anatomy and topography of the organs Practical tips and notes are highlighted throughout for rapid access and quick review Organ-tooth interrelationships are demonstrated Practitioners of osteopathy, physical therapy, or chiropractic will refer to this indispensable clinical guide on a daily basis. The book's breadth and clarity also make it ideal as a textbook for students of visceral manipulation.

Based on the premise that movement is essential for life and any restriction will affect our health, visceral manipulation starts with the core, the viscera (organs), and extends throughout the entire body to address pain, structural imbalances, tensions, and restrictions. The practitioner uses specifically placed manual pressure that promotes normal movement, tone, and internal movement of the organs, their supporting structures, fascia, nerves, and blood vessels. The ultimate goal is improved health by allowing the body to perform and move optimally. Illustrated with nearly 100 instructional photos and anatomy drawings, A Pathway to Health begins with general information about visceral manipulation, describing the method, goals, philosophy, and history of the practice. The book also explains the evaluation process and what a patient can expect to experience during and following a treatment session. Author Alison Harvey covers each major structure of the body including the organs, fascia, muscles, bones, and nerves, and discusses the causes of dysfunction. The second half of the book focuses on each system of the body, presenting physiological information and treatments as well as case studies. Harvey also explores emotional issues and their effects on the body and gives an authoritative summary of current research in the field.

Osteopaths are challenged in their everyday practices to assess and treat patients affected by pelvic floor disorders. Recurring referral diagnoses may be related to functional disorders (urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, infertility), hormonal physiology (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause), or related to consequences associated with specific surgical and/or infectious disease processes. The intrapelvic soft tissues are continuously stimulated and mobilized due to respiratory, urinary, genital, and intestinal functions; similarly, the urogenital organs are in constant motion. The role of the osteopath is to collectively restore pelvic soft tissue mobility to ensure proper pelvic physiology.This book is based on the most common pelvic disorders encountered in clinical practice, and provides osteopaths with key treatments to aid with patient care and recovery. The authors present a variety of internal and external pelvic manipulations, including comprehensive soft tissue, neural, and vascular techniques. This book is meant to be instructional: technique descriptions are reinforced with diagrams and pictures illustrating the manipulations.

This book completes Jean-Pierre Barral's widely acclaimed four-volume exploration of the osteopathic implications of the dysfunctions of the internal viscera. The focus of this volume is on the pelvis, especially of women. The introduction provides an overview of the relationships of the pelvis and spine. Tests which are particularly useful for pelvic disorders, including the genitohumeral and completed Las gue's tests, are detailed. Also included are imaging studies that demonstrate the utility of the viscersl manipulative approach to the pelvis. Chapter 2 focuses on the bladder, and especially the treatment of stress incontinence and the effects of the various systems of pressure on the lower pelvis. The role of bladder restrictions in low back pain, lower leg problems, and hip pain is explained. Chapter 3 discusses the uterus, focusing on the cervix. The reader will gain an appreciation for the osteopathic view of the importance of the different motions affecting the uterus, and how they can become dysfunctional. Chapter 4 concludes the tour of the female pelvis with the uterine tubes and ovaries. The holistic osteopathic viewpoint is typified by Barral's presentation of the various elements that must work in harmony for fertilization to occur.

Fears, anxieties, traumas, and physical and emotional shocks imprint on the body and remain dormant in its vast memory store until they are roused by an event or encounter. They may manifest in a different form or place—a fearful incident may transform itself into a stomachache or a headache, or even a chronic disease. Pain creates its own path. In particular, psychological and emotional stresses affect the functioning of the internal organs. In Understanding the Messages of Your Body, Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral explains the relationships that exist between internal organs and emotions, to allow us to free ourselves from the effects of present and past tensions and traumas. The book opens with an explanation of the body-mind relationship and goes on to show how physical-emotional therapy works based on examples from Dr. Barral’s clinical practice. The second part of the book offers detailed analyses of various “types” of human personality and the physical-emotional complexes and related organ dysfunctions that accompany them. The author offers advice and encouragement to improve physical, psychological, and emotional health, and recommends physical exercises, psychotherapeutic approaches, and dietary plans that can be used by both professional therapists and the average reader.

Naturopathic Approach to Visceral Manipulation: The Abdomen, the result of eighteen years of clinical experience, is a landmark work that provides the health care field with a compelling synthesis of Visceral Manipulation (VM) and naturopathic treatment. Each organ-specific chapter is organized to provide the practitioner with a logical sequence of topics to enhance individual study, including a guided tour of relevant anatomy and embryology. Additional information for each organ includes normal function, signs and symptoms of dysfunction, mechanical problems, pathology, and associated psychoemotional aspects, as well as indications, contraindications, benefits, and precautions for manipulation. Each chapter provides a detailed description of the methods of evaluation and treatment within the model of VM as developed by J. P. Barral, along with helpful photographs demonstrating correct hand placement. At the end of each chapter¿s treatment section is a quick reference guide of the techniques. The naturopathic medicine section is designed to help formulate treatment recommendations specific to each organ and its possible dysfunction. At the end of each chapter is a summary of current medical literature and research. An interpretation from a VM perspective is provided following each summary.